Senate Majority Optimistic About Governor’s Approach to New Budget

Published: December 17, 2012

ANCHORAGE-Today, the Senate’s new Majority Leadership team is applauding Governor Sean Parnell on his responsible budget proposal for next fiscal year, which is nearly $1.1 billion less than the current year’s general fund spending.

“According to new forecasts, Alaska is going to see a drop in revenue next year. We think Governor Parnell is headed in the right direction by reigning in state spending while still focusing on in-state energy needs and public safety,” said incoming Senate President Charlie Huggins, R-Wasilla. “We appreciate the Governor’s approach on strategic investments that target the state’s energy infrastructure needs and projects that grow the economy while still providing for the long term stability of the state. Now is the time to act and we believe this new budget plan is a good place to start.”

Senator Huggins also stressed that while the new Senate Majority Leadership is optimistic about this approach, the group will fully vet the proposal through the legislative process.

“I am very pleased to see Governor Parnell take a fiscally conservative approach to this year’s budget, especially considering the forecasted drop in revenue,” said Senator Kevin Meyer, incoming Senate Finance Co-Chair. “The new Senate Finance Committee plans to spend the next three months working on this proposal and will hold public hearings to make sure all ideas are considered.”

January 15th is the first day of Session. Both Senate and House Finance Committees will start work on the Capital and Operating Budgets shortly after the 28th Legislature begins work on January 15th.